A Flu Pandemic

The WHO have recently warned that a flu pandemic is inevitable.

Facts and Predictions

• Fatalities in the UK are predicted as between 60,000- 700,000 in the next pandemic
• Flu spreads most rapidly in closed communities
• Children spread flu more easily than adults
• 40% of school aged children can be expected to fall ill
• Fatalities could be 2-4% of all children infected
• WHO alert level at 3 and rising to 4 (Level 6 = pandemic phase)

Predicted Scenario

• Epidemic may last for 6 – 7 weeks with a possible second wave of infection to follow
• 25 – 40% of working population may become ill
• Shortage of labour may lead to breakdown in services
• School may be required to close
• Deaths may occur in school community

Current Guidance

• Planning should be adaptable to respond to different levels of infection
• People should continue their everyday (essential) activities as normally as possible
• Schools should plan both for staying open during a pandemic and for closure